Silent Pocket V2 Medium Sleeve Review – $109.95

As mobile technology has integrated into every aspect of our lives from cell phones to flash drives, so has the risk of identity and data theft. Many of today’s fancy and popular leather products are designed to show off your newest gadget but not all attention is wanted. Silent Pocket is a company that has taken the extra step to protect both what can and can’t be seen. By using proprietary Radio Frequency (RF) shielding material, the Silent Pocket V2 Medium Sleeve is able to protect and secure your data under the guise of a sleek black exterior.

CONSTRUCTION

Without giving too much away, the Silent Pocket V2 Medium Sleeve has a patented unique interlocking RF magnetic seal which keeps the sleeve flat and minimalistic – no extra folds, buttons, Velcro, or zippers. The outer layer is constructed using vegetable-tanned top-grain cow leather and held together by both glue and stitching. A fine mill process is used to polish and soften the leather. All leather products used by Silent Pocket are sourced and handmade in India under the supervision of an on-site quality controls manager.

FUNCTION

The medium sleeve measures approximately 8″ x 5’’ on the outside but fits 5.75’’ x 4.1’’ on the inside which is enough for an iPhone 6, Galaxy, or Nexus phone. They have a sizing chart available on the website – a large would fit an iPad Mini and the extra large would fit an iPad Air. It contains 2 internal sides, one which blocks all incoming and outgoing signal transmissions to your cell phone. Additionally, smart keys, credit cards, passports, other RF enabled electronic devices, and anything that is RFID / Near-Field Communication (NFC) chipped, will be protected inside the RF shielding lining. The second side only shields against RFID / NFC. For the experts needing more technical nitty-gritties such as decibel, frequencies, and bandwidths, there is much more information on the website. Basically, this sleeve blocks cell phone data (RF), Apple Pay or Google wallet data (NFC), and credit card information (RFID).

One possible downside to using this type of pocket is that once your phone or device is in the sleeve, it really goes off-the-grid. Texts, phone calls, voicemails, and any other wireless push notifications will not be received until after you bring out your phone. At the same time, your phone or other tech will not receive a wireless signal and will behave accordingly.

When trying it out for myself, I can tell that as I slip the phone into the sleeve with the top still open, my phone signal immediately drops to one bar. Of course, once the magnetic seals close, I can’t see if any signal is being received on my phone. I also don’t have any data stealing instruments to test if I can hack into my own devices through the sleeve, although I am unable to call my phone when it is inside so I know the wireless signal is being blocked.

AESTHETIC

The Silent Pocket V2 Medium Sleeve has a minimalistic design. Uniform black supple leather protects your goods. The only indication that you might be hiding something is the small shield logo debossed on the bottom corner. If you’re looking for some cool, edgy design, you won’t find it here. It makes sense since you wouldn’t want to call attention to what you’re carrying if you’re trying to hide what’s inside. It’s the James Bond of sleeves – classy and subdued exterior with a hardcore interior.

BESTLEATHER CONCLUSION

The Silent Pocket V2 Medium Sleeve starts at $109.95. To be frank, this sleeve is going to be pricey and a hassle for your average Joe who likes to get his texts and Facebook messages in real-time. However, if you’re a CIA agent, international spy, or someone who just would rather be safe than sorry, it might be a worthwhile investment for high-level of protection with some sleek sophistication. Reviews on Amazon for Silent Pocket have been great so far so don’t just take my word for it.